Maradona’s Doctor Denies Blame, Calls Himself Scapegoat in Football Legend’s Death Trial
Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, who treated late Argentine football icon Diego Maradona, has denied responsibility for the legend’s death, describing himself as a scapegoat as his defence team challenged the prosecution’s case in court.
Luque, who is accused of medical negligence, insists prosecutors have failed to prove that Maradona’s death was foreseeable or that his treatment contributed to the fatal outcome.
During closing arguments, his lawyer, Roberto Rallin, dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the evidence presented throughout the trial supports Luque’s innocence rather than the prosecution’s claims.
Another member of the defence team, Francisco Oneto, argued that Maradona died from an acute and unpredictable heart attack, insisting that there had been no way to anticipate the fatal outcome.
Maradona, widely celebrated as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died aged 60 in November 2020 after suffering a cardiorespiratory crisis and pulmonary oedema.
He was found dead in bed at a rented recovery residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, just weeks after undergoing surgery for a subdural haematoma, a condition involving bleeding around the brain.
Seven healthcare professionals have been on trial since April over their alleged roles in Maradona’s care during the two weeks he spent recovering at home before his death.
Prosecutors accuse the medical team of failing to provide adequate care despite warning signs that the former footballer’s condition was deteriorating. They are seeking prison sentences of between four and 12 years for six of the seven defendants.
Luque, whom prosecutors regard as a central figure in decisions surrounding Maradona’s treatment, faces a possible 12-year prison sentence. The prosecution alleges that he failed to act despite mounting signs of the footballer’s declining health, describing the medical team’s approach as one of persistent inaction.
However, Luque’s lawyers have challenged the findings of a 2021 interdisciplinary medical commission, which concluded that Maradona had a history of heart problems.
The defence maintains that medical examinations carried out before his surgery showed no evidence of heart disease, disputing the suggestion that his condition should have alerted his caregivers to the danger.
Throughout the proceedings, Luque has vigorously defended his professional and personal relationship with Maradona, presenting recordings, scientific publications and autopsy footage in support of his case.
His decision to show the autopsy video reportedly angered some of Maradona’s daughters, adding another layer of tension to an already contentious trial.
Luque has also portrayed himself as a devoted friend who deeply admired the football legend, arguing that his close relationship with Maradona has made him an easy target for blame. He has maintained that Maradona himself would have defended him if he were still alive.
Meanwhile, Nicolas D’Albora, lawyer to medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, has sought to shift responsibility towards Luque and another doctor, arguing that they were responsible for ensuring Maradona’s health.
Forlini faces a possible 10-year prison sentence over allegations that she failed to ensure that essential medical equipment was available for Maradona’s home care.
The defence teams are expected to continue their closing arguments on Thursday, as the closely watched trial approaches its conclusion and the court moves towards determining responsibility for the death of one of football’s most celebrated figures.
